Death of celebrated chef by drowning draws focus to summer water safety

REGARD: Worth seeing drowning demonstration that could save lives

The death of a celebrated chef and James Beard Award winner draws attention to the issue of water safety in the summer.

Former “Top Chef Masters” artist Naomi Pomeroy of Portland, Oregon, died over the weekend at the age of 49, her mother confirmed to ABC News on Tuesday.

Pomeroy, who helped boost Portland’s dining scene, drowned while tubing on the Willamette River on July 13, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office said.

The sheriff’s office said in a news release that Pomeroy and two other adults were traveling down the river in two inflatable boats tied together and a paddleboard attached to Pomeroy’s tube.

When the trio became entangled in an “exposed obstruction” in the river, Pomeroy was pulled underwater and was unable to free herself because a paddleboard was attached to her tube, according to authorities.

While the two other people who were with Pomeroy reached shore safely, Pomeroy drowned and remains missing, authorities said.

“This office is committed to finding Naomi and bringing her home to her family and loved ones,” Benton County Sheriff Van Arsdall said in a statement. “I want to thank everyone involved in the search and recovery mission during this difficult time.”

Pomeroy, an Oregon native who leaves behind a husband and daughter, rose to prominence in Portland’s dining scene through several restaurants, including the acclaimed Beast, which she opened in Portland in 2007.

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She won the 2014 James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Pacific Northwest and has appeared on television shows such as “Top Chef Masters” and “Knife Fight.” In 2016, Pomeroy published a cookbook called “Taste & Technique.”

Tips for water safety in summer

Pomeroy’s death in the waters of her home state has brought to the fore the importance of water safety, especially during the summer months.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most drowning deaths occur in July each year.

According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4 and one of the top three causes of injury or death among people ages 5 to 34.

In the press release about Pomeroy’s death, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the need to follow safety guidelines when using bicycle tubes.

“When out on rivers, do not tie yourself to a paddleboard unless you have a quick-release leash,” the press release states. “Also, do not tie two or more tubes together. To do this, you will need a life jacket for each person. Children under 12 must wear a life jacket.”

The U.S. Coast Guard offers online tips on how to find an approved life jacket for various water sports. It is important to make sure the life jacket fits the child’s current weight and chest size.

Tom Gill, vice president of the United States Lifesaving Association, echoed the sheriff’s office sentiment, saying people should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets when engaging in water activities and should not tie tubes together when tubing.

In an interview with ABC News, Gill also said it’s important to check water conditions in advance and make sure it’s safe to be in the water. “Be aware of what to expect when you head out on the river,” she said.

Gill said one should not overestimate one’s abilities in fast-flowing water.

If a person falls into a body of water such as a river, Gill recommends that they try to keep their feet elevated and away from rocks and other hazards.

“Keep your feet up because just like the sea and all our beaches, the rivers are extremely dynamic,” he said. “They are constantly changing and there are of course times when they are wonderfully calm, but there are also many other times when these conditions can change.”